Evening Star Newspaper, April 24, 1897, Page 1

— THE EVENING STAR. ae See PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT suxDQ%, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 101 Pennsylvania Avenue, Cor. 11th Bt, by i We Company. Tho Erening Sta, Newspaper. Company Few York (ice, 49 Potter Building. ‘The Evening Star is served to subscribers In the city by carriers, om their own account, at 10 cents per week, or 44 cents per month. G counter 2 cents each. By niail—anyw United States or Canada—postage prepaid—50 cents er montin. M'Gaturday Quintuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with foreign postage added, $3.00. " (Entered at the Post’ Office at Washington, D. C., as second-class mail matter.) ©7-All wail subscriptions must be paid in advance. Rates of advertising made known tion, Che Fue No. 13,774. WASHINGTON, D. C., SATURDAY, APRIL 24, 1897—T TWO CENTS. AT THE WHITE HOUSE ——__— Talk About the District Recorder of Deeds. — -+--——_ A BIG CROWD OF VISITORS Warner Miller Confers on the Nica- ragua Canal. OURI DIFFICULTIES peer aos There was a great stream of visitors to the White Hovse today, including mary Frominent men, The departure of the Pres- ident Mou with a prospective absence of several during which the office- seekers will have to struggle alone with their ambitions. acceunts for the rush. A feature of the day was a long con- ference of the President with the civil ser- commission, all the members of the sion being preseat. In view of the many stories which have been circulated, the conference 1s of importance. It began early in the morning and continued for semething like two hours. Many of the callers, senators, representatives and oth- ers, went away without seeing the Presi- dent. The members of the <ommission pesitively refused to say ariything of the conference. Mr. Harlow said it related to nothing whicn has been published. Mr. M. M. Holland, District candidate for recorder of deeds, was one of the men who secured a talk with the President. Mr. Holland informed the Pres:dent of the fact that the office is one supported exclusively by the District. The President told Mr. Hollane that he is giving the matter of a selection for the office close attention. Mr. Holland received no idea from the Presi- dent as to who is likely to get the nomina- tion, but the authority is unimpeachable that a District man will not get the position and that Cheatham is probably the win- ner. His next strongest competitor is ex- State Senator John P. Green, colored, of Ohio. He has arrived here with big back- ing and was at the White House today. He believes he has a good chance for the re- cordership. ; Dr. Hunter a Caller. Ex-Representative Hunter of Kentucky was one of the most interesting callers o1 the day. He had a pleasant interview with the President, during which the latter ex? pressed pleasure at the course of. Dr. Hunter in the senatorial fight. Nothing was said as to whether the President would like to offer Dr. Hunter a good position. Dr. Hunter gave no intimation of his wishes or of his future intentions. It is said, however, that he will be well pro- vided for if he wants anything. itor Kohlsaat of the Chicago Times- Herald was at the White House. He is one of the President's close friends and has entree at all times. Representative Harmer of Pennsylvania w a caller, with Col. George W. Roose- velt, who has been in the consular service nineteen years, and who has a fine record in the State Department. Col. Roosevelt is now the consul of this country at Brus- sels, and General Harmer urges his reten- tion. Representative McCall of Massachusetts introduced Sidney B. Everett of Boston, a candidate for the Batavia, Java, consulate. Another candidate from the same city is bringing strong pressure for the consul gen- eralship at Montreal. He ts Joseph Robin- scn McCready. Besides home backing, he bas strong outside support. enator Kyle took two South Dakota aspi- rants for consular honors to the Executive days, Mansion. They are Judge W. W. Bennett of Deadwood and W. S. Glass of Water- town. Representative Quigg of New York saw the President in behalf of Jullus Schmidt, who would like the Hamburg consulate, the place picked cut by Fred Schrader. Ex-Representative Noonan of Texas had an old Indian fighter, Capt. John J. Sansen, with him when he saw the President today. . Sansen’s name is linked with the his- tory of the southwest. He says that there is no longer any chance to fight Indians and he wants ar easy Job as collector of custems at Eagle Pass, Texas. Richards is the Man. It is practically settled that ex-State At- tcrney General Richards of Ohio will, as in- dicated in yesterday's Star, be nominated tor solicitor general. The nomination will not, however, be made for some time. Mr. Conrad will not be displaced until the term of the courts is ended. For assistant at- torney general no selection has been made. President McKinley and Attorney General MeKenna have been considering the matter for some time. The Missouri Dissensions. The reyellion against National Commit- teeman Kerens as the dictator of spoils in Missouri is growirg. The opposition has increased since the appointment of Charies H. Smith, Kerens’ fri as collector of ctstoms at St. Louis. The republican members of the House from St. Louis re- sent Mr. Kerens’ selection of men for offices in that city and think they ought to be consulted. It is understood that a dele- xation of the anti-Kerens people are to visit the President and have a talk with him. The St. Joseph post office question, involv- ing a fight on Mr. Kerens, has not been set- ted. Taken as a Pointer. Southern republicans say that the ap- Tointment a few days ago of J. P. Cestia &s postmaster at New Iberia, La., indicates tlainly the determination of the President to listen to the national committeemen of the states in preference to others. Cestia Was indorsed by A. T. Wimberly, the na- onal committeeman from Louisiana, while Fis opponent had the backing of the state chairman and of state republicans of in- uence. In nearly all cases so far the in- Tsement of the national committeeman as been more potent than any other. National Committeeman Webster, ex- Representative Smalls, T. B. Johnson, E. - HH. Deas and Prof. Berkley, South Carolina republicans, had a chat with the President. Prof. Berkley. a colored man. wants the consulate at Stuttgart, Germany. J. H. Merriwether of this city taiked with the President in behalf of the appointment o2 Maj. Wm. J. Pollock as assistant Indian commissioner. Judge Day a Caller. Judge Day was at the White House a short tim® today. He announces that he will not now make the trip to Havana. The investigation into the death of Ruiz will pot be al-andoned, he says, and will be made by some one else. Who will he se- lected for this duty has not been decided upon by the President. It is said that Senator Cullom wil! call upon the President this afternoon and have @ talk with him about ex-Representative J. Frank Aldrich, who was thought to have the Belgium mission uctil the announce- ment yesterday that Bellamy Storer will set the plum. Senator Cullom may convey to the President the wishes of Speaker Reed as to the disposition to be made ¢f Mr. Aldrich. Representative Ellis of Oregcn and C. 8. Hannum of Alaska were callers. Mr. Han- cum desired to tslk with the President about Alaskan appointments. Representative Marsh of Ilinots called with John Best, an applicant for the Post- nastership at Quincy, Til. Ex-Representative Murphy of. Arizona batted with the President about Arizona pointments, but the President gave no irdication of an irtention to soon settie the fignt for governor, which, it was thought. he would quickly dispose cf. Ambassador White and J. K. Gowdy, consul general to Paris, talked with the President preliminary to their journeys to their posts abroad. Senators Daniel of Virginia and Bate of Tennessee were among the democratic call- ers. Senators White and Perkins and ex- Representative Clurie of California were also callers. Senators Chandler, Platt, Lodge, For- aker, Mason and Shoup were visitors. Sen- ator Platt made his visit when the Presi- dent was in conference with the civil serv- ice commission, and did not remain to se¢ the President. = Warner Miller’s Desire. Ex-Senator Warner Miller of New York is in the city urging a definite stand by the administration on the subject of the Nicaragua canal. There has been consid- erable gossip here about the probability of the negotiation in the near future of a. new canal treaty with Nicaragua and Guatemala along the lines of the Freling- huysen-Savilla treaty, which was with- drawn from the Senate in March, 1885, im- mediately after Mr. Cleveland's first ac- cession to the presidency. Senor Rodri- guez, the minister of the Greater Republic of Central America, is here ready to enter upon negotiations should Secretary Sher- man indicate a desire for a new treaty. Mr. Miller saw both Secretary Sherman and the President today. The Nicaraguan Cunal Company, he says, desires action. It is indifferent, he says, whether the gov- ernment enters upon the canal project through a treaty arrangement which will make the United States practica’iy the owner of the canal, or througii legislation or the line of the Morgan bill, by which the government would guarantee the bonds of the company and control taree-fourths 0: the stock and directorate. Mr. Miller found that the pressure of other t had teft the adminisiration no time to cor- Siaer the canal question, but hopes for a decision in the early future. Lum Fearson’s Sentence Commuted. Late this afternoon the President com- muted to life imprisonment the death sen- tence of Lum Fearson, who was to have been hanged next Friday. In granting the commuiation the President says that Fearson is a fit subject for clemency. CIRCULAR A PENSION OFFICE Clerks Must Be at Their Desks During the Working Hours. Commissioner Evans Makes the Rule Apply Also to Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs. Commissioner of Pensions Evans, in line with his policy regarding the proper dis- cipline of the large force employed in the bureau over which he presides, as iately stated in The Star, has issucd a circular as follows: “All emp®oyes of the bureau, including chiefs and assistant chiefs uf division, will be required to be at their respective desks promptly at 9 a.m., and thereafter during the working hours of the day, unless other- wise employed on official business, or ex- cused by proper authority. “Absence for any fractional part of a day, less than half a day, must not be granted to any employe by chiefs of divi- sion unless permission is first obtained from the chief clerk. “Chiefs of division desiring to be absent during any fractional part of.a day will report to the chief clerk before leaving the building. “Employes entering the building after 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. will report to the chief clerk before going to their respective divi- sions. “In all cases where clerks desire to be excused prior to the lunch hour for the re- mainder of the day, they will be required to apply for leave of absence for une day. If they report for duty at ) o'clock and re- main on duty until lunch time, they may be absent from 1 o'clock by being properly excused by the chief of division and have the time taken charged against their an- nual leave; in exceptional’ :ases only will clerks be permitted to be absent tor any other part of a day, and then only by per- mission of the chief clerk.” The commissioner's action is being in- dorsed by a large number of people, who consider that it is to the advantage of the service, but it is far from being popular among the great body of the clerks. Many of them feel that their privilege in leaving the office is being curtaiied to an unneces- sary degree, but it is the commissioner intentions to strictly enforce tae rules con- tained in the above order, which will be Gireulated about ike vension office on Mon- lay. ——___- e—__—___ THE POSTAL CONGRESS. An Appropriation Wanted to Enter- tain the Delegates. The committee on arrangements to take charge of the entertainment of members of the universal congress, which will assem- ble here on the Sth of May, are extremely anxious that Congress shall appropriate sufficient money to entertain the members on a scale commensurate with the enter- tainment they received at the last meet- ing in Vienna At that time the membcrs were given an extensive trip and received every opportunity to see all the advantages of the country in which they were meeting. At that time when the royal character of their entertainment was being commented upon it was quite common for members to say: “Oh, wait until we go the United States, they will take us acrcss the coun- try there from one ocean to another, show us all their great cities, the magnificent scenery of the Yellowstone, and a thou- sand interesting things that will cause us to wonder at the new world.” Now that the congress is about to assem- ble here with the members cntertaining a lively expectation of what they see the committee on arrangements, of which First Assistant Postmaster General Perry 3. Heath is chairman, are quite anxious that they snall not go away disappointed. It is tor this reason that an ettort will be made to persuade the Senate to make an ample appropriation in the sundry civil bill for carrying the party across the con- tinent and allowing the members to carry home w:th them @ proper idea of the great- ness of the United States. The following.persons have been appoint- ed secretaries to the United States delega- tion to the coming international postal con- gress: Col. Chatiie-Long, Hébert Hatcher and William A. Brown. Col. Long is a na- tive of Maryland, a well-known Atrican ex- plorer and an accomplished linguist. Mr. ddatcher is an ex-reading clerk of tne House of Representatives and now a resident of Washington. Mr. Brown is a post office inspector, now on duty at Boston. The following persons from the New York city post office have been detailed for clerical duty at the congress: Cnaries J. Gaylor, Eugene F. Murray, Peter J. Quinn and Artnur J. Primout, ————_-e+—__ Buried at Arlington, Capt. James Kennington, U. 8 A., re- tired, who died in this elty last Thursday, was buried at the Arlington cemetery: to- day with the usual military honors. Capt. Kennington was a brave soldier and was twice Lreveited during the war,for gallant and meritorious services. He entered the army 268 @ private im-October, 1851, and was retired »s a captain of infantry in Zune, 1887, on account of disability in the line of duty. 'C\LLS IT A FRAUD|#4WAUAN ANREXATION/THE CIVIL SERVICE What Superintendent Bell Says of a Letter Box Scheme. MAIL SERVICE IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY | Misleading Circular Sent to Many Residents of Washington. OPERATIONS OF AGENTS ee eee A conc2rn calling itself the Mail Service Improvement Scciety, which gives its lo- cation at 112 St. Paul street, Baltimore, ground floor, is engaged in working in va- rious large cities a scheme, which post of- fice authorities here characterize as a fraud on the public. During the past few days circulars have been sent to large numbers of residents in Washington, pecially to those living in sections where the humbler portions of the community live. The circular is printed in blue ink and reads as follows: SPECIAL IMPORTANT NOTICE. Concerning the New POSTAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS. Washington, D. C.—The Postmaster Gen- eral has affirmed the order directing post- masters, postal clerks and carriers to recommend and urge upon householders the use of mail depositories. The Postmaster General's public request in posial laws and regulations is as fol- lows: “Citizens supplied by carrier should be requested to provide receiving boxes xt their houses and places of business.” (Title 4, section 625.) “In cities where letter carriers are em- pioyed, letter boxes should be provided at places of business and private residences, thereby saving much delay in the delivery of mail matter.” (Postal laws and regula- tions, article 5, page 26.) Postmasters will observe the following Tules: 1. The householder must, for his own convenience and advantage, and at his own expense, provide a suitable box. 2. Postmasters are instructed to give in- formation about the boxes and encourage householders to put them up. Inasmuch as the general use of boxes will increase the safety and speed of the mail, all clerks and carriers are ordered to recommend and facilitate their adoption.” (Order of the Postmaster General, #0;-U. 8, Official Postal Guide, p. 804.) Notice—Every householder will now be provided with a mail receiving box, which will be leased by the Mail Service Improve- ment Society at the nominal rate of 5 cents per year. It is not rented for one year only tor 5 cents, but is put up for a term of five years for 25 cents. 1t wili be your own property during that time, and you may take it with you upon removal. -By having a letter-box placed at your front or side entrance, you will not only as- sist in the more rapid working of the de- partment, but will also enable every one to secure their mail promptly, save yourself the great annoyance of having to attend the door bell at every ring and insure the safe delivery of letters when temporarily absent. Mail should never be put under doors, Only by the universal adoption of these jetter boxes can the carrier system reach that high state of perfection which the public arid the post office officials desire. The boxes are of solid iron, attractive in finish and neat in design; especially adapt- ed to nice private residences, “Tomorrow authorized parties will call upon you, so please be prepared to avail yourself of this, which will be much appre- ciated by the Post Office Department. Bal- timore, Md., offices, 112 St. Paul street, ground floor.” In red letters stamped on the lower mar- gin of the circular are the words “Wash- ington, D. C.” One of the circulars was handed to a Star reporter this morning, and it was taken at once to Capt. James E. Bell, the superin- tendent of delivery at the Washington city post office. Supt. Bell Calis It a Fraud. “The post office has been very much an- noyed since these circulars have been sent out,” said Capc. Bell, “with inquiries as to whether they were really authorized by the Post office authorities, as the circular seem- ed to indicate. “The terms at which the boxes were offered probably raised the question of their relfability. Our reply has invariably been that we know nothing of the concern, and, as one of the boxes has been shown to me, I feel perfectly justified in pronounc- ing it a fraud. “The commission, of which I was a mem- ber,”” he continued, “which was appointed by Postmaster General Wanamaker for the purpose of selecting a desirable house-to- house delivery and collection box, had every conceivable style of box submitted to it, but boxes such as are referred to in the circular never received the slightest consideration, because they afforded no protection whatever to the mail. Representations of Agents, “The information brought to this office by the letter carriers,” continued Captain Bell, “indicated that the agents for this box have been representing that mail would not be delivered to houses unless they were provided with this box, and in a number of cases lady members of families through fear were led to pay the 25 cents to the agent. A colored woman reported to a carrier that an agent had declared to her that the policeman on the beat would call and demand the money for the box the next day if it was not paid to him then. “The agents for this concern in no in- stance presented 2 sample box when go- ing around, but solicited orders, promising to deliver the boxes in a few days. One of the carriers informed me that Thursday afternoon when the agents were delivering the boxes on his route the people were so indignant when they saw the boxes at the evident swindle practiced upon them that @ crowd was soon attracted of such pro- portions that it had to be dispersed by po- licemen.” Description of the Boxes. The Star reporter was shown two of the boxes offered by the Mail Service Improve- ment Company at 50 and 25 cents each. The ic. affair was a sheet iron box, var- nished black, about eight inches long and one and one-half inches deep, with a slightly beveled top, containing a slot. The box was merely a shell of shect iron that is made to attach to a door jamb, It is Known as a door-jamb box, closed by the action of the house door, and gives no security whatever to the mail. The box is too small to accommodate any but ordi- nary sized letters, being only about six and a half inches deep. One of the agents delivering these boxes ‘stated that they cost about 4 cents apiece. The matter has been called to the atten- tion of District Attorney Davis. Postmas- ter Willett has a number of communica- tions on file which, facies seats ae of people have n misted, ie bility is that the Post ice Department will take a hand in the matter if arrests are made. ——__ Naval Orders. Ensign J. M. Luby, from the Texas to the Alliance; Ensiga P. Symington, from the Alliance to the coast survey; the appoint- revoked; Commander H. org Lieut. i pines Lieut. Hog pd dered to examination for promotion. Some Definite Action on Subject Brpected Before . a if No Difference: of Optgion im the Ad- ministration on fhe Main Question. t Deliberate but positive ection is intended to be taken by this administration in the Hawalian matter. President McKinley has Positive convictions on the subject, and is in thorough sympathy) with the attitude of the Dole government. ‘Those thor- oughly informed as to the situation have no doubt that the annexation of the islands will be brought about early in this admin- istration. The situation has been looked into quite thoroughly, and, while many things are to be considered, which might suggest delay unde> ordinary circum- stances, the. present situation prompts speedy action. There appears to be no difference of opinion tn the administration as to the desirability of having these is- lsnds under the dominitn of the United States. The only question seems to be as to the time and manner af establishing it. President McKinley is Understood 10 be 1 favor of speedy annexation.“Secretary Sher- man ig said to occupy @ somewhat more conservative attitude, being favorable to preserving the independent: government of the islands as long as such @ thing is prac- ticable without danger from foreign intiu- ences. - The present indications. are, however, that there is positive and immediate danger of interference by Japan; probably sup- ported by oiher foreign ‘nfluences, anc that this may force speedy action. It is agreed beyond dispute. that the United States will not permit foreign domination of the islands, and it is understood tnat President McKinley apprehends that if we wait until such foreign interference is at- tempted it may bring on a serious conflict, which it would be wise to avoid by prompt action at this time. The most doubtful matter at this time appears to be as to the manner in which the islands shail be attached to this coun- try. The Hawaiians desire, if they may, to come in as a state of the Union, or at least as a territory with prospective state- hood. This is objected to on account of the tremendous influence wiich would at- tach to two places in the United States Senate being selected frosh the new do- minion. The proposition being discussed now, and understood to be looked on with some favor by Secretary Sherman, is to annex Hawaii as a county of California. Some action in the madter is cxpected within a reasonably short aime, and de- velopments abroad may hasgen the matter beyond what is at prese@& contemplated. —_——___-e+_____ OFFICIAL CHANGES, Promotions, Resignations and Rein- statemedts in the Interfor Department The following official changes have been made in the Department of the Interior: Office of the Secretary—Promotion—Wm. J. McLaughlin of New Jersey;“Heutenant, $840, from watchman, $720. > Beinstatements —Philander McMullen of‘ Iowa and Wm. Gasaway of Ohio, watchmen, $120. General land office “Hetgstatements—Al- bert R. Greene of Kansas, ipspestor of sur- veyors general and district land offices, $2,000; Jom E. Wright of Wisconsin, clerk, $1,400. e Patent office—Promotion — Miss Sara L. Snell of Minnesota, copyist, $900, to clerk, 31,200. Transfer to civil service commis- sion—Miles Novotny, copyist, $720. Pension office—Promotions—Wm.J. Brooks of Pennsylvania, clerk, $1,400, to assistant chief clerk, $2,000, vice John D. Kynaston of Minnesota, resigned; Thomas J. Shan- non of New York, clerk, to act as chief of special examination division, $2,000, includ- ing allowances, trom $1,600, Reinstatements --Wiley Britton of Kansas, and Chas. Slay- ens of Missouri, speeial examiners, $1, Mrs. Sarah W. Oldham of Massachuset $v00, Joseph H. Ward.of Hays City, Kan., has been appointed custodian of the abandoned military reservation there, vice Eli Fox, resigned. Mr. Wiley Britton of Kansas City, Kan, has been reinstated in his eld position as special examiner in the pension office, from which he was removed by Secretary Hoke Smith nearly four years ago. Mr. Britton served in a Kensas regiment during the war. He 1s the author of “The Civil War on the Border,” and is the only writer who has covered that particular field of opera- tions. He is a member of the American Association for the Advaneemeat of Sci- dential campaign last fall under the direc- tion of the Kansas republican state central committee. He was a candidate for deputy commissioner of pensions and had the in- dorsement of Senator Baker and other prominent men of the state, but withdrew from the contest when the name of a Kan- sas man was presented for assistant secre- tary of the interior. e+ DR. FEATHERSTONHAUGH RELIEVED The Position of Chief Medical Re- feree of the Pension Office Vacant. Dr. Thomas W. Featherstonhaugh, the chief medical referee of the pension office, has been asked to relinquish his Place. Dr. Featherstonhaugh was appointed to the medical division of the pension office in the first Cleveland administration, and in the second was made chief referee, the salary of that position being $3,000, and the Place being regarded as one of the best in the bureau. It has been his intention for a year past to resign this summer. He was given thirty days'.leave of absence with a notification-that after that time his services would no longer be required. No appoint- ment has yet been made to fill the place. ———+ +e. THE COMMISSIONERSHIPS, Favorable Action om the Nominations Expected Momday. A meeting of the Senat¢*District com- mittee has been called foe Monday, at 11 @.m., at which time-it is:thtended to take up the nominations of Messrs. Wight and Ross to be Distriet Commissioners, and act upon them. ‘There im Rp doubt of a favorable recommendation.ag,to both being made. pa ———__-- Personal Mention. Admiral Jorg Montt, “eit-president of Chile, had an audience withPresident Mc- Kinley yesterday afternoon: He was ac- companied by Mr, Gana, the Chilean min- ister. s Chief Engineer George Tower of the navy, retired, is at the Major Eric Bergland, retired, is on a visit to this city. ~ Lieut. H. C. Whitehead, 10th Cavalry, is in the city on leave of absence. ee The Tariff Dill. Senator Aldrich said tits morning that he thought the work of the republican sub- committee on tariff would Je completed by ‘Thursday. He’ sable @idinot see any in- Gicaticn of eriqus trouble before the: tariff ea 8, midtnond ee James E. aa of removed from the Inte: Department adminis- SSeS Commencement ofthe Investigation by the Senate Committee. THOSE WHO TESTIFIED TODAY campaign he found his dismissal upon his desk. He said that Mr. Logan Carlisle told him that he had been dismissed for beirg absent without leave. Mr. Ryan replied that such could not be the case, because it was understood that he was to have leave without pay. Mr. Carlisle then asked him if he had made any personal speeches against President Cleveland in the cam- paign, and he bad replied no; he had only attacked his financia! policy. Mr. Ryan then detailed his efforts for re- instatement through the civil service com- missieu, and his subsequently getting back his oftice. He said he was reduced in sal- ary, however, wher reappointed by the de- partment. After this he made a contest i Pana his = y Secretary Wilson States His Views | £7. Mis eat im Congress, and that then he Very Frankly. MR. RYAN’S CASE i The Senate committee investigatizg the civil service methods of the last admin- istration met this morning, Mr. Pritchard, the chairman, presiding. He announced to the co-amittee what ke had done in the way of secking information from the heads of the departments, and the exa:ninaiion of witnesses began Maurice Kline, dis- charged employe of the pension office, was first examined. Mr. Kline says that he had been discharged on personal grounds, and that he had brought suit to recover salary. The next\witness was W. Blashland, who was discharged from tne register’s office of the treasury. He sai’ that his discharge was made in crder to make room for the son of the register of the treasury. He submitted a letter showirg the changes which bad occurred in the register’s oflice of the treasury from 189% to ‘894, which were as follows: Thomas Armstrong of Mississippi, promoted from $1,200 to $1,600; Brown of Illinois, from $1,000 to $1,200, in "8, and in "94 from $1,200 to $1,600, jumping one grade; again in 4, transferred to ar- chitect’s office and promoted to $1,800. Tay- lcr, promoted from $1,6%0 to $1,500, and transferred to bookkeeper’s division, Sec- retary’s office. Adams, another clerk, the letter states, cane to the register’s office at $1,600 as private secretary to Register Tillman, and has since been transferred to note and coupon division, having had no examination before the civil service board as affiant knows of. The letter, proceeding, says, fifth: ‘Till- man, son of register, came into the regis- ter’s office as his private secretary at a salary of $1,000 and was promoted to $1,200 soon afterward. It is said that he was not seventeen years old when he came into said office—no civil examination. “Sixth—Massey was transferred from sig- nal office at $1,000; since promoted to $1,600; examination before board somewhat doubt- ful. Seventh — McLaren of Florida, ap- pointed as a messenger in place of De Mar, @ one-armed Union soldier, discharged. Mc- Laren afterward promoted from messenger to a clerkship at $900." Reductions and Reinstatements. Under the heading of reductions and re- instetements the letter says: “October, "4, Allen Wall, Union soldier, reduced from $1,800 to $1,000; dead. William Blashland, Union soldier, reduced from $1,800 to $1,400, and. in November, '96, reduced to $1,200; in "04, October, C. P. Freeman, Union soldier, reduced from $1,800 to $1,400; John Johnson reduced from $1,400 -to $1,400, the above a one-armed Union soldier; Capt. Foote re- duced {from $1,400 to $750, the above a one- leg soldier in-the-LUnion. army; Geo. Allen, one-leg Union soldiér, reduced from $1,600 to ; W. S. Dedecknight, Union soldier, reduced from $1,400 to $1,000; Capt. Burn- ham, a Union soldier, reduced from $1,600 to $720; Geo. Lillibridge, Union soldier, re- duced from $1,600 to $1,400; Gridley, a Union soldier, reduced from $1,600 to $1,000; W. F. Gapen of Illinois, reduced from $1,800 to $720; Jamison of New York, reduced from $1,800 to $720 and dismissed; Pearson, Union soldier, reduced from $1,800 to $1,400, after- ward reinstated; Mrs. Crawford, soldier's widow, reduced from $1,400 to $900; Mrs, Hicks, soldier's widow, transferred to six, reduced from $00 to $720, discharged; Van Ardale, reduced from $1,690 to $1,000 and discharged, afterward reinstated at $1,800; Mrs. McCulloch, soldier's widow, reduced from $900 to $720 and transferred to sixth auditor’s office; Mrs. Sterling, soldier's widow, dismissed; Mrs. Johnson, soldier's widow, dismissed; Mrs. McCaffery, soldier’s widow, reduced from $00 to $720, trans- ferred to sixth auditor’s office; Mrs. En- glich, soldier’s widow, reduced from $1,200 to $900."” Secretary Wilson's Views. Secretary Wilson of the Department of Agriculture then took the stand. Mr. Wil- son had some very pronounced views upon civll service, and expressed them frankly. He thought that the civil service law should be modified. He advocated exempting from the operations of the law the agents and inspectors of the department. He said that would be the only way to secure com- petent men. He said that in positions of this kind men of age and experience as well as theoretical knowledge were re- quired. He cited a case in which he had recently made application to the civil serv- ice commissicn for a man for a certain special duty, and the commission had sent him a boy twenty-two years of age. While this young man possessed technical knowl- edge, he lacked the experience and practi- cal knowledge of an older man. Secretary Wilson also thought that the statisticians and the heads of the different bureaus should be chosen by tke Secretary and not left to certification by the civil service commission. The trouble with the latter course, he said, is that the young and inexperienced men were put into these places, and that the system worked badly or. that account. “President Harrison left the civil service law in good condition,” said Secretary Wil- son, “and I would like to sce it that way LOW. A letter was read from Secretary Gage of the Treasury Department, in which he said that while the civil service law as a gen- eral thing was wise and beneficial, it might be modified to advantage in some respects. He recommended exempting deputy col- lectors of internal revenue from the opera- tions of the law. A letter was also read from Chief John- son of the bureau of engraving and print- ing. He thought that the law was wiee, and recommended no changes in it. The Printing Office. Mr. William C. Connor of the govern- ment printing office was then examined by the committee. Mr. Connor said that practical rather than educational tests should apply In the government printing office. He said there were many abuses under the present system of carrying out civil service which could be corrected. Mr. Connor cited a case where, as he al- leged, the last administration just before retiring made an order which included a number of women employes in the classi- fied service. This was accomplished by increasing their pay from $2 to $2.08 a day. The addition of this eight cents a day got them within the classified service. Mr. Conner said that girls from the High School passed the educational test and when they came into the office had to be instructed in the practical workings of the Office. Mr. Ryan’s Grievance, Mr, William £. Ryan was then put upon the stand. Mr. Ryan is the former treas- ury employe who ran for Congress cn the free silver ticket in the thirty-first New York district last fall und was dismissed from his position in the department. Mr. Ryan said that he ha been an employe of the sury Department since, 1884, and at the time of his dimsissal was drawing 5 a year. Last September he was urged to be a candidate for the corgres- Bi nomination in the Rochester dis- trict. He said that he obtained leave of absence with the undérstanding that if he was nominated he should ha sicn to make his ive permis- campaign by getting leave without pay. ‘as dismissed again and finally from his position in the Treasury Department, His Opinion of His Dismissal. “To what do you attribute your dis- missal?” asked Senator Pritchard. “I was dismissed for political reasons,” said Mr. Ryan. “Is it usual for employes in the depart- ments to run for Congress and take part in politics?" asked Seaator Pritchard. “They certainly take part in politic: re- plied Mr. Ryan. “I understand that even the president of the civil service commis- sicn took part in the Kentucky campaign. Many emplores of the Jepariment and offi- clals were in the campaign, and I am sure that in the cases of the officiais they did not sacrifice their pay as I -iid.” Mr. Ryan was #xked further about the participation of the president of the civil service commission in the campaign, but said he only knew what the papers had rerorted. In the course of his remarks Mr. Ryan made a reflection on the veracity of the former chief clerk of the Treasury De- partment in the handling of his case. This closed the investigation for the day. ‘The committee will meet again next Sat- urday to resume the inquiry, and in the meantime will summon a number of wit- nesses. Senators Pritchard, Elkins and Cailton form the subcommittee engaged in taking testimony. “It is our purpose,” said Senator Pritch- ard this afternoon, “to make a thorough investigation into this matter. There is no more important subject before the people today than this one of civil service. We want to find out how the law is adminis- tercd, arf’ we shall summon as many wit- nesses as may be necessary to throw some light upon the matter, so that a full report may be made to Congress. GOING TO GREECE Gen. Miles to Witness the Graeoc-Turkish War. He Will Sail in a Fortnight and Goes by the President's Direction. Secretary Alger had another conference with the President at the White IHouse this afternoon with reference to the pro- posed visit of Major Gen. Miles to the seat of war in the Levant. The result was the issue of an order from the War Depart- ment directing Gen. Miles to make the trip. It was In the usua! form, starting out with the words “By direction’of the Pres- icent, you will, etc.” It is sald at the War Department that there will be no trouble whatever cn the fcore of €xpensé, as’ {t gan properly be charged to the account of “transportation for military Purposes.” General Miles told a Star reporter this afternoon that he had not entirely com- pleted his arrangements for the trip, but that the probability was that he wouid start from New York on the steamer st. Paul, leaving New York on the 4th proxi- mo, and that he would cross the continent by the quickest railroad route. “Owing to the position of the two con- tending armies,” he said; “it is impractica- ble for me to determine until I arrive cn the otaer side of the Atlantic whai my exact course will be, as the change in scenes of the military drama will necess ari- ly govern my movements when IT arrive on the other side. “The purpose of my going to the seat of the war in Europe is to observe the mili- tary operations now gome on between Tur- key and Greece—practically the appliances of strategy and gra: tactics, the arma- ment, both of heavy ordaance and sinall arms, field equipmen:, forms, trans- Portation, medical and hospital appurten- ances, and in general a!] matters that per- tain to military operations with modern appliances ior the field. Uniess something unforeseen occurs it is probable that 1 will sail in the course of ten days or two weeks, “I shall probably take with me Capt. M. P. Maus. aid-de-camp, and we may visit some of the other European armies before our return. “There are many precedents where the United States has sent officers abroad to oltain professional information, and con- spicuous among these was the se of General Scott in 1815, who arrived in Eu- rope just after the battle of Waterloo. Gen, McClellan witnessed the war in the Crimea, and General Sherman accompanied the King of Prussia in the Franco-Prussi2n campaign. General Sherman while in com- mand of the United States army was in Europe between September, 1871, and Sep- tember, 1872." ——-___ WILL BE RELEASED. Cepero and Aguirre Both to Be Set at Liberty. The State Department has been inform- ed, through the Spanish minister in Wash- ington, that the Audencia of Santa Clara has dismissed the case of Jose Cepero, and that the Audencia of Habana, the case of George Washington Aguirre, and that both will be set at liberty as soon as the re- quirements of law have been complied with. United States Consul General Lee later notified the department that Aguirre had been released upon condition of leaving Cuba not to return. Cepero is a native of Cuba, but was naturalized in the United States in 1881. He was arrested prior to January 20, 1896, on board the steamer from Cienfuegos for Batabano, the charge being sedition and rebellion, and he has since been helé under arrest in Santa Clara, awaiting the action of the civil court there. Aguirre is twenty-five vears old, and was born in the United States. He was captured by a Spanish gunboat July 10 last and confined in Cabanas for- tress on a charge of rebellion. Upon the request of the United States consul gen- eral nis case was removed from the mili- tary jurisdiction and taken before the civil court of Jaruco. Aguirre’s case attracted much attention some time ago, vowing to its being called up in the United States Senate as a signal instance of improper treatment of an American citizen in Cuba, and there were some sarcastic allusions to his peculiarly patrioulc name in the course of the debates. 2 The Cruiser Baltimore. “The cruiser Baltimore, which has under- gone a thorough overhauling at the Mare Island navy yard, will become <he flagship of the Pacific station early this summer, in place of the Philadelphia, now flying Ad- miral Beardslee’s flag in the harbor of Honolulu. The change will take place in July, when al Miller relieves Ad- pages emus st. De e- tion. The Philadelphia requires extensive repairs, and will be laid up at the Mare Is- Jand yard. ———e-._____ Walter Saunders Reinstated. Secretary Gage has directed the rein- statement of Walter T. Sacnders as cus- todian of dies, rolls and plates in the bu- reau of cngraving and iting, in place When he returned November 5 from the of C. E. Hooker, removed. .. “Want” advertisements in The Star pay because they bring answers, GREEKS RETREAT eee Deteated by Tarks in a Des perale Battle at Mati VERY HEAVY LOSSES Tyrnavo and Larissa Have Been Abandoned. NEW HEADQUARTERS CHOSEN Pharasalos, Twenty Miles South, Has Been Substituted. APMISSION AT ATHENS LONDON, April 24.—Special dispatches from Athens this afternoon say that, after a desperate battle at Mati, the Greeks were cutnumbered, retreated with heavy losses, atandoned Tyrnavo and Larissa and re- move their headqugrters to Pharsalos, a small town on the right bank of the Pher- salitis and at the north foot of a spur of the Chassidiari mountains. Pharasalos is about twenty miles due south of Larissa. ATHENS, April 24, noon.—The Turks at noon yesterday strongly attacked Mati, which was defended by General Mastaphos’ brigade. After six hours’ fighting a coun- cil of war, presided over by the crown prince, decided to order the retreat of the Greek forces from Tyrnavo. The retreat was effected in good order. Riccotti Garibaldi has arrived here. He was accorded an enthusiastic reception. The following semi-official announcement was made this afternoon: ‘In a fierce engagement at Mati yester- day the troops fought heroically until 6 o'clock in the evening and compelled the Turks to retreat. Whereupon the Turks were heavily reinforced, and our positions were shaken and a retreat was ordered. It is not yet known if the retreat was gen- eral.” A secord dispatch from the headquarters staff says: “Our troops are concentrated along the line of Pharsalos in consequence of these operations, the abandonment of Tyrnavo and Larissa being considered inevitable.” Greeks in Rear of the Tarks. CONSTANTINOPLE, April 24.—The latest advices from the seat of war in@icate that the Greek forces have penetrated into Turkish territory, reaching the rear of Elassona, on the Mount Olympus #ide, which is most serious news for the Turks, if true. The divisions of the Turkish army sta- tioned at Monastir and Salonica are about to start for Elassona. Edhem Pasha telegraphs that Thursday the Korkein division of the Turkish army pursued the enemy and captured a quan- tity of ammunition, provisions and rifles. The dispatch adds that a portion of the fifth division, occupying Disketa, firm: maintained its position, inflicted consider- able loss on the enemy and captured two prisoners. Finally, the Turkish commander-in-chief arnounces that there was also fighting at Mila Thursday, and that a sharp fusillade began at Tchay-Hissar at 11 o'clock that night. Insurgents Enter Macedonia. SOFIA, Bulgaria, April 24.—An insurgent band has entered Macedonia under a leader who was recently placed under surveillance. Other insurgent bands have gone north with the intention of crossing the fron- tier, working round and meeting the first insurgent band in Macedonia. Turks in Sight of Larissa. VOLO, Thessaly, April 24, 4 p.m.—The Turkish advance forces are in sight of Larissa. Excitement in Paris. PARIS, April 24.—A dispatch received here from Athens confirms the reports that the Greeks have abandconed® Tyrnavo and Larissa and have concentrated on the second line of defense at Pharsalos. The news has caused the greatest agi*a- tion in political circles, and the diplo- mats are freely discussing the question whether the time has noc arrived for the powers to take immediate steps to ar- rest the further advance of the Turks in the Greek peninsula. EAGER FOR WAR NEWs. Great Interest in Hostilities Shown at the German Capital. BERLIN, April 24.—The correspondent of the Staats-Zeltung of New York has cabled the foliowing message to his pa- per: “The war news causes excitement here and particulars are eagerly awaited. It is expected that the Greek fleet will bom- bard Salonica, in which case the powers will have to provide for the safety of their legations, affd warships of the powers will be sent there. Austri has already or- dered the battle ship Kron Prinzessin Sye- fanie to that port. “The report that Grumbkow Pasha, the well-known German officer, who, with Rus- tow Pasha, reorganized the Turkish artil- lery, would lead the artillery to the fron- tier, is not true. Grumbkow Pasha went to the scene to observe the fighting for the sultan from an independent point of view.” GRACE FOR DEBTORS. of a Month Granted by the Grecian King. VIENNA, April Delay moratorium of a month. This moratorium probably means a gen- eral suspension of settlement of debts un-